Assistant Manager Selection Causes Stir

Debary Council Members Say Maryann Yaskanich Is Qualified, But They Wish More Candidates Were Considered For The Job.

May 10, 2000|By Ann Givens of The Sentinel Staff

DEBARY - DeBary's city clerk has been promoted to assistant city manager, despite objections from some elected leaders who wanted her boss to look at other candidates for the job.

City Manager Bob Mauney named Maryann Yaskanich his assistant on Thursday, 12 hours after the council gave him the go-ahead alone. That, too, became an issue last week when council member Greg France insisted that Mauney's choice should be subject to council approval. Mauney had responded by threatening to quit if the council tried to influence his choice.

Council members said they believe Yaskanich is qualified for the job. But they said a broader search would have given them more confidence that she is the best candidate available.

``I have nothing critical to say about Maryann's performance,'' said City Council member Greg France, who was the lone vote against giving Mauney sole authority to hire an assistant. ``But I think we should have looked at more than one candidate for the job.''

City Council member Danny Allen also said he wanted Mauney to look for other applicants. But he said he ultimately allowed Mauney to make the hiring decision as a way of showing support for Yaskanich.

In addition to an assistant city manager, city leaders are thinking about hiring a parks and recreation director. If council members agree to create both positions, it will be a major change in direction for a city that has long prided itself on its lack of bureaucracy.

For Yaskanich, the only noticeable change may be in her wallet. She already serves as second-in-command on DeBary's small staff and performs many of the duties of an assistant manager.

``I've been working in this capacity for some time anyway,'' Yaskanich said. ``I'm his [Mauney's) left and right hand.''

Mayor Carmen Rosamonda defended Mauney's decision to hire Yaskanich, saying Mauney should have final word on who will be his assistant. If Yaskanich disappoints the council, Mauney will be accountable, City Council member Bill Long said.

Mauney was out of town Tuesday and could not be reached for comment.

As assistant city manager, Yaskanich will research and review city policies, coordinate growth management services, respond to public complaints, and oversee local boards and committees, among other things.

The salary for the position is $47,500 a year, about $2,600 a year more than Yaskanich makes now as city clerk.

Yaskanich, 38, has been DeBary's clerk for the past three years. Prior to that she worked as a clerk in Oak Hill, and as a redevelopment coordinator in New Smyrna Beach. She holds a bachelor's degree in legal studies and a master's degree in public administration from the University of Central Florida.

Mauney will begin looking for a new city clerk immediately. Until he finds one, he intends to assume all of the clerk's duties.